City says it will fix Orchard Road sidewalks by Oct.

A stretch of Orchard Road from South W.W. White to West Hein roads will see much-needed repairs soon when curbs, sidewalks and driveway approaches are constructed.

District 2 City Councilwoman Ivy Taylor said the project would cost $3.7 million, with San Antonio Water System pitching in a portion of the cost because of the drainage improvements.

Taylor said infrastructure projects, including drainage improvements, were important to her district.

“It provides an enhanced quality of life for our citizens,” she said. “In this area in particular, residents will no longer experience flood damage due to inadequate infrastructure, and they will be able to enjoy driving on a smooth street free of pot holes and cracks.”

In addition, Taylor said, safety concerns would be addressed because residents who walk would no longer be put in harm's way by walking the neighborhood without sidewalks.

“The kids have to walk down the streets to get on the bus,” she said. “There are cars that are moving swiftly or past the speed limit, and they endanger the children.”

In addition to the safety concerns the lack of sidewalks presents, Jackson said several residents who get around by scooters or power chairs have limited areas where they can move around freely.

“They have been given tickets because they were in the streets operating their scooters,” she said. “These people don't want to be confined to their homes. They want to get out like everyone else.”

Because of the lack of drainage in the area, Jackson said she's also seen residents' cars stall out in standing water.

The Orchard Road project was part of the 2007-2012 bond project that was voted on and approved May 12, 2007, under previous Councilwoman Sheila McNeil.

The project was chosen when McNeil received several 311 complaints regarding property damage due to flooding and after several requests from the neighborhood associations in the area, said Taylor.

Though the project was scheduled to begin this month, District 2 council aide Jarvis Soileau said construction has been held up because the project manager has been waiting on engineers to make submissions from contractors.

However, he added, construction should begin in the next two weeks and is scheduled to be completed in October.